UPDATE: Wednesday 8/03

Idaho State Police have identified the man involved in an attempted hijacking of three vehicles on Interstate 84 on Tuesday morning.

Investigators say two Elmore County deputies opened fire on Matthew David Conrad, 34, of Hammett, killing him when he turned and pointed a gun at the officers. Police say the incident started early Tuesday morning at around 9 a.m. when police were told of a stolen pickup in Hammett. Police allege Conrad stole the pickup from a neighbor.

Sheriff deputies located Conrad with the pickup and a pursuit began, leading to a field near I-84 not far from Hammett. Investigators say Conrad ran from deputies onto the interstate and attempted to hijack three vehicles, including a semi truck at gunpoint. That is when Conrad allegedly turned around and pointed the gun at the deputies.

The incident is under investigation by ISP. They are continuing to seek witnesses, and ask them to call Idaho State Police District 3 Investigations at 208-884-7110. The interstate in that area was closed for about three and a half hours.

UPDATE, 4:15 p.m.: Eastbound lanes have reopened on Interstate 84, hours after a deputy-involved shooting this morning near Hammett.

Idaho State Police spokeswoman Teresa Baker told News Radio 1310 that the incident that happened sometime before 10 a.m. today started when a neighbor reported her vehicle had been stolen.

Elmore County Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect, but he fled from the scene and a chase ensued. Deputies tried several times to stop the vehicle, but without success.

While on I-84, the suspect drove the stolen pickup off the highway and through a barbed-wire fence. He then exited the vehicle, ran south across eastbound lanes, and attempted to carjack a semi-truck.

The driver of the semi was able to flee the incident, and the suspect tried twice more to carjack vehicles. Each driver was able to get away.

During this whole time, the suspect held a handgun, Baker said. He pointed it at the deputies and they shot the suspect, who died on the highway from his wounds.

The name of the suspect has not yet been released. The incident is still being investigated.

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Original Story:

HAMMETT, Idaho (KLIX) – An officer-involved shooting has closed the eastbound lanes on Interstate 84 in Elmore County.

Idaho State Police are at the scene investigating the incident that happened this morning near Hammett.

The incident started when police found the suspect of a stolen vehicle, according to a report by KTVB. A chase ensued, and the man, who was in possession of a handgun, attempted to carjack three different vehicles, including a semi-truck, ISP spokeswoman Teresa Baker told the TV station.

It was then that deputies fired at the man. It is reported that no police officers were injured in the incident.

News Radio 1310 is following up on the story. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

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